Fondly called the Dorkie, the Yorkshire Terrier Dachshund is a hybrid canine formed from a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Dachshund. Dorkies also go by other names. You can refer to them as Dorkie Terrier or Doxie Yorkie.
The Yorkie Dachshund mix is a confident and devoted little pup who is a huge bundle of joy and always love to cling to their humans. These cute fluffy companions are exciting to watch in action regardless of how small they look. Moreover, If you want a tinier Dorkie, you would have to cross a miniature Dachshund & a Teacup Yorkshire Terrier.
Dorkies are attention-seeking dogs that tend to bond particularly with one member of the family. They are good companions for the elderly and ideal for families with or without children. They are quite friendly with kids & other dogs although they may be injured by small kids who play rough.
| Yorkshire Dachshund Mix Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Breed type | Designer breed |
| Average Height | 5 - 10 inches |
| Average Weight | 7 - 12 pounds |
| Life span | 11 - 16 years |
| Coat type | Medium to long; Straight to wavy |
| Coat color | Black, brown, red, blue, silver, black & tan. |
| Temperament | Cuddly, cheerful, affectionate, easy-going |
| Health problems | Portosystemic shunt, tracheal collapse, intervertebral disc disease, patellar luxation, retinal dysplasia, etc. |
| Grooming needs | Low |
| Suitable for | Elderly, single households, large families with or without children, travelers (nomads). |
| Shedding Level | Low |
| Price | $400 - $900 |
History of Yorkie Dachshund Mix
The Yorkshire Dachshunds are relatively new breeds. It was known to have emerged about 20 – 30 years ago. Even though it can’t be traced how this hybrid came about, whether by accident or intentionally. Fortunately, it comes from a well-known family and a lot is known about the individual parents.
The Dachshunds originated in Germany in the 1500s & were known for their game hunting ability. In fact, they were so good at hunting badgers that they used to be called Badger Dogs. With their long body & strong little feet, they were easily able to dig into badger holes. In the 1800s, people started keeping them as family pets instead of for hunting & they became popular with the European royalty like Queen Victoria’s court.
The Yorkshire Terrier, often called Yorkie, was developed during the 19th century in Yorkshire, England. Scottish miners wanted to develop a means to get rid of rats and vermin in the mines. In the 1800s, they came up with the Yorkshire Terrier by breeding two distinct Terrier dogs. Afterward, these mine workers brought the dogs to work in Yorkshire. Over the years, the size of Yorkies declined & they are now kept as household pets.
Appearance and Size of Yorkie Dachshund Mix
Like most designer breeds, there are no guarantees as to how your Doxie Yorkie will look when they grow. They can inherit the best traits & physical looks of their parents but can also inherit the worst.
Yorkshire Dachshunds sometimes resemble the Yorkie facially but take the body of the Dachshund. They have a little head with large floppy ears hanging on both sides. They have long dense fur but not as long as the Yorkshire Terrier parent. A long body with short legs like that of the Dachshund parent. The coat color comes in black, brown, tan, red, blue, or silver. They can also come in any blend of two or more of these colors.
Dorkies are petite dogs. This is not surprising because the Dachshund and Yorkies are small too. Most reach a height of 9 inches and weigh in the range of 7 – 12 pounds. However, many can be smaller or larger than average.
Temperament of Yorkie Dachshund Mix
These feisty creatures are adorable and amazing companion dogs. Dorkie puppies are people-pleasers but the catch is that your attention and care will be needed at all times. However, this quality makes them quick to follow instructions & easier to train. With a few treats & gifts, you can prod them in the direction of your choice.
Normally, both the Yorkie and Dachshund have an independent demeanor but if your pooch take after the stubborn streak of the Dachshund, it could make training even tougher.
Believe it or not, Dorkies are easy-going and make impressive lap dogs. They also love cuddles and a lot of naps. You don’t want to disturb their naps! Some can sleep as long as 18 hours a day.
Although they love every member of the family, they form the strongest attachment to the person that gives the most attention and love. Even though Dorkies are playful and spirited, they could easily get injured by overly excited kids during such plays. It is therefore imperative that you supervise such activities or better still avoid leaving them alone with kids.
On the matter of leaving them alone, your Dorkie can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for a long period. They get frustrated and begin to destroy items in the house. It is advisable to take them along with you & if that’s not possible, get another dog to keep them company.
On the downside, Dorkies are yappy. This behavior could be irritating to your neighbors. They get your attentionby barking at objects, other animals, cracks in the wall, or even the clouds. They can bark at anything at all. It’s just their hobby.
What Living Conditions Are Best For Yorkie Dachshund Mix?
The Yorkie Dachshunds are not suited for dwellings with a thin wall separation of two rooms. The reason is simple. They make living next door to them unbearable with their unsolicited and noisy barking. You will probably be receiving a lot of complaints from your neighbors if you do not control them.
Because they suffer from separation anxiety, it won’t be wise to leave them alone in the room as they can destroy your belongings, especially important files and irreplaceable documents. Get a toy or another dog to keep them engaged. Always remember, a boring dog is a destructive dog.
Since they’re so intuned with their owners, the Yorkie Dachshund is a good match for singles, couples with or without children, and senior folks.
These feisty puppies don’t require a lot of space or an intense amount of exercise. They do not just fine in a small flat. However, avoid houses with staircases because their long bodies are prone to spinal injuries while climbing up or down the stairs.
Dorkies are cold-sensitive breeds. They have little or no undercoat like the Yorkshire Terrier parent. They prefer warm & moderate weather. Because of their small size, Dorkies are susceptible to frostbite & hypothermia and so should be protected appropriately.
Is Yorkie Dachshund Mix Generally Hard To Groom?
Grooming a Doxie Yorkie doesn’t require much effort. Generally, they are low maintenance. Depending on the type of coat they inherited from their parents, their care varies considerably. If it has the short coat of the Dachshund, you only need to brush the fur two or three times a month. If it is the Yorkie’s fur, you may need to brush it two or three times a week & trim the fur every once in a while.
Make sure you clip your pooch’s nails once every week or two. Brush your Dorkie’s teeth 2 or 3 times a week, although brushing every day is best. Ears should be inspected regularly as their floppiness could mask a breeding ground for infection.
Yorkie Dachshund Mix Feeding
Dorkie doggies tend to be fussy eaters & will not always accept any food you lay before them. It may take a while to find a meal that suits their palates. When you eventually do, they will gladly dive into it. Still, you should avoid any food brand that could cause digestive problems and choose only the best for your pup. Strive to give them a varied diet.
Make sure they get plenty of protein to keep their energy levels up & also enough vitamins to maintain them in good health.
Food requirements will depend on the age of your puppy. Check for the best food brand for your little puppy and also one for your senior doggo.
Exercising Your The Yorkie Dachshund Mix
Your Dorkie puppy needs some exercise even if it tends to laze around. They burn a lot of energy when they bark at objects or by chasing other animals like cats.
On average, the Yorkshire Dachshund mix requires 30 to 45 minutes of exercise each day. This could be split into 2 sessions of a walk and a playing session.
Keep them away from staircases because they tend to incur spinal cord injuries.
Trainability Of The Yorkie Dachshund Mix
To train your Dorkie successfully, you need a lot of patience & frequent training sessions to achieve.
Having a stubborn streak, your pooch will likely reject your attempt to train it. They are clever & smart and may choose a command to obey or to disobey.
Doxie Yorkie can quickly sense when you lose your cool, so take a break & allow yourself to calm down. Punishing them is sometimes counterproductive. Obedience training using fog treats & gifts as a reward should be your top priority.
Yorkie Dachshund Mix Health Issues
In general, mixed breeds tend to be healthier than pure breeds. You shouldn’t be so confident about that, though, because your Dorkie can inherit all the health issues from both sides of the family tree. The only way to keep your pup healthy is to check the health of both parents.
The most common health issues that can trouble your Doxie Yorkie are these –
- Portosystemic Shunt – This occurs when the pet’s venous blood from the stomach, intestine, pancreas, & spleen bypasses the liver. It could be congenital in most cases but can also be acquired. This is common among the Yorkshire Terrier. You’ll notice stunted growth, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Sometimes your pet will just act oddly at eating or pace around or press his head against the wall. Some pets can do well with medical & surgical management.
- Tracheal Collapse – This is common in small breed dogs and characterized by incomplete formation of the trachea resulting in its flattening or collapse. The most common clinical sign is a persistent dry, harsh cough. Collapsed trachea in dogs is a condition that sounds dire like you need to rush to the vet. But in truth, many dogs live a good life with a collapsed windpipe for years except at its most severe stage.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – This disease condition causes the hardening of the intervertebral disc, a material that helps cushion the spaces between the discs. Dachshunds, with their long backs, are prone to this disease & Dorkies that share similar stature might be affected too. IVDD causes pain, impairs movement, and in severe cases, can lead to partial paralysis. Medication can be used to treat IVDD, but surgery may also be required.
Other health issues include –
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Retinal dysplasia
- Entropion
- Epilepsy
- Skin problems, etc.
How Much Does a Yorkie Dachshund Mix Cost?
The Yorkshire Dachshund mix is a mixed breed and does not cost as much as the purebred parents. You should expect to pay between $400 – $800 for a healthy puppy.
To ensure you get a vibrant and sound Dorkie, you need to search for a reputable breeder either online or by referral. Get the necessary screening & health checks and documents for the hybrid & the parent breeds.
Yorkie Dachshund Mix Alternatives
If you decide that the Dorkie is not for you, there are other fantastic cross breeds to consider:
- Jack Russell Dachshund Mix
- Yorkshire Terrier Pug Mix
- Boxer Dachshund Mix
- Dachshund Terrier Mix
- Dachshund Lab Mix
- Corgi Dachshund Mix
- Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix
Final Thoughts
Are you convinced that this is the breed for you? They’re smart and adorable which are generally attractive qualities to have in a four-legged companion.
Dorkies are so cute that you might forget their pigheadedness & stubborn nature. They are so adaptable to various living conditions be it single homes or one filled with many people. If you’re constantly on the move, they could be travel buddies. Their petite size is an asset for such trips.
Dorkies do not have many life-threatening illnesses. With proper diet & exercise, they can live a healthy & long life. They are an excellent addition to the family & thrive where adequate attention & love is showered on them. So, if you’re thinking about getting one, please be sure you have time to spend with the furry baby.
